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KTM 450 SX-F 2018

If gold is what you’re after, a KTM 450 SX-F is what you get. Thanks to its compact engine delivering explosive but controllable power, it’s the weapon of choice for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team and the champion, Ryan Dungey. This READY TO RACE bike rules the AMA Supercross Championship. Its secret? Precise handling and arm-stretching grunt. Winners - line up here.

BOMB FACTOR

ENGINE

The hugely successful 450 SX-F powerhouse has extremely compact dimensions, strong performance throughout the rev range and a low weight; this is the lightest 450 engine on the MX market. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a heavyweight in terms of muscle. Fitted with a single overhead camshaft cylinder head and the latest electronic fuel injection, it pumps out an unrivaled 62hp. With KTM’s engineers working tirelessly to increase service intervals, this super stroker has the latest engine management technology on board and confidently shoots both amateurs and pros to the top of their time sheets.

CYLINDER HEAD

Inside the SOHC cylinder head, an overhead camshaft controls four ultra-lightweight titanium valves via extremely rigid rocker arms, which are DLC-coated on the intake side. A configuration like this allows engine speeds of up to 11,500rpm; a baffling figure for a large displacement thumper. Lateral brackets made of aluminum allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and contribute to the bike’s featherweight feel.

CRANKSHAFT

The KTM 450 SX-F’s crankshaft utilizes a short connecting rod, which makes for an overall compact and lightweight engine with a snappy power delivery. A plain big (bottom) end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. The necessary oil feed for this bearing is ensured by the engine’s pressurized lubrication. This design is a decisive benefit in terms of the crankshaft service interval, which can be lengthened due to the plain bearing. So just pin it, all day long.

CRANKCASES AND COVERS

The design of the die-cast crankcases allows for minimal weight and a very centralized shaft configuration. This makes the engine short and compact, while contributing to an efficient centralization of masses. The engine covers also feature a solid surface structure, which reduces the wear caused by the rider’s boots. This way, your SX-F will keep looking better longer.

TRANSMISSION

The KTM 450 SX-F uses a lightweight 4-speed transmission with gear ratios that are perfectly matched to the power delivery of its large displacement engine. The 1st and 3rd gears are treated with a special surface coating for better reliability. An advanced ´No Dirt´ gear shift lever design prevents mud and sand from blocking the joint of the lever and guarantees trouble-free shifting. All 4-stroke engines are fitted with a gear position sensor, giving the option of different engine characteristics for each gear. In MY2018, the transmission shaft gets a stronger shifting star and a C4 bearing that has a bigger overlap in the case. This guarantees better reliability even at extremely high operating conditions. Think GP-level riding. In knee-deep sand.

ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The state-of-the-art Keihin engine management system with electronic fuel injection features a 44mm throttle body. Thanks to its unique injector position, the engine’s response is instantaneous. And to make life even easier, separate systems for cold starts and idle adjustment await you. The lightweight control unit features a unique traction and launch control system for lightning-quick response when the gate drops and maximum grip thanks to different maps that sync with to the gear you’re in. It’s also possible to unleash an even more powerful mapping via the handlebar map select switch.

CYLINDER AND PISTON

Inside the short cylinder, with a bore of 95mm, thumps a box-type piston made by CP. Its crown geometry is adapted perfectly to the high-compression combustion chamber, where its rigid structure and low weight shine. Thanks to the low oscillating masses, the engine is as snappy as it is strong.

BALANCER SHAFT

The side mounted counter balance shaft also drives the water pump. Thanks to its perfect balance and low oscillating masses, engine vibrations are kept to a minimum. Even when revving it all the way up to the maximum, just the way an SX-F likes it.

CLUTCH

The KTM 450 SX-F employs the KTM-developed DDS clutch (damped diaphragm steel) with a robust steel basket, extremely heat resistant clutch plates and new, nitrated steel liners reducing the wear. This clever design employs a diaphragm spring instead of the usual coil springs, making for considerably easier clutch action. A diaphragm spring also leaves sufficient space for a damping system to be integrated into the clutch hub. The goal is traction, but durability is as well. Light operation and telepathic amounts of control are standard with this hydraulic Brembo actuated clutch.

E-Starter

The KTM 450 SX-F is fitted with a unique E-starter as standard, which is a clear advantage when it comes to crunch time in the heat of battle. A strong starter motor made by Mitsuba will fire time and time again at the push of a button.

COOLING SYSTEM

KTM’s proven cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum radiators made by WP. Thanks to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. In addition, new radiator protections improve heat dissipation. Especially in the mud. They are also integrated into the front part of the shrouds to protect the radiators in a crash.

A DANCER IN THE DIRT

WEIGHT

KTM engineers just love dropping weight year after year. The result: the 2018 KTM SX models are the slimmest, lightest dirt bikes out there. Even though the 4-strokes are equipped with an E-starter as a standard feature, while the competition still needs to be kickstarted. You can just focus on kicking ass.

FRAME

The high-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame has a knack for easy handling, outlandish rideability, precise cornering and excellent stability. You can also count on high torsional rigidity and low longitudinal stiffness. This results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear suspension, sucking up jumps and bumps. In short: more comfort and less rider fatigue. Laterally attached, lightweight aluminum engine head stays (the connection between cylinder head and frame) contribute to more precise cornering and a reduced vibration level. The engineers were able to pull off all that, while making their frame a big fat kilogram lighter than that of the lightest competitor on the market. In addition, it is easier to maintain, easier to work on and supplies more space for the tank and other components. The bike also features an extra-light subframe made of stable aluminum profiles, which tiptoes the scales at less than 900g.

FOOTPEGS

Sophisticated ´No Dirt´ footpegs prevent clogging of the footpeg pivot, even when digging in deep ruts. Looking for a higher riding position? Then just mount the footpegs of the MY2018 EXC models, which are 6mm higher than the SX versions.

AIR FILTER BOX

The airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow. The large twin-air filter is mounted in a stiff cage, which at the same time holds the system in place. This design is so simple, you could still pop a fresh one in with a face full of mud. Without tools. In seconds.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

FIM noise limits are a real challenge for every manufacturer. Therefore, KTM has put a lot of effort into the development of their exhaust systems. All 4-strokes are fitted with headers that have a unique standard feature; an additional resonator system – a small chamber connected to the pipe. All 4-strokes are fitted with a short silencer, mounted as close to the engine as possible. You know what that means: extra mass centralization and better rideability. Its advanced internal design reduces the noise sufficiently in order to sit safely below the noise limit, while still raising the hairs on your neck.

HANDLEBAR

KTM engineers sure know how to handle handlebars. This tapered one, made of high-strength aluminum, is fixed in damped rubber mounts and has two different positions.ODI lock-on grips make grip changes easy and do not require any wire or glue to be secured.

WHEELS

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY

SHOCK ABSORBER

The WP monoshock has been developed with the entire frame and swingarm architecture in mind, including the linkage system and the WP AER 48 front forks. It features machined and black anodized components and is a valuable, high-end product compared to roughcast reservoirs. A new setting and a softer spring perfectly match the reworked front-end set-up and its sparkling WP color scheme lets everyone know you have excellent taste in suspension.

FORK

The lightweight WP AER 48 front fork, a 48mm USD air-sprung fork developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM, is a split fork with separate functions for each leg. That means damping functions are on the right side, whereas the air spring is in the left. This left leg features a 2-chamber system with a capsuled air cartridge to prevent loss of air pressure. Should the outer seal start to leak, the internal cartridge pressure will keep the bike in position. The air spring is easy to adjust to any rider weight via a single air valve. No special tools are required; the fork air pump supplied with the bike will do just fine. The right fork leg integrates a damping cartridge that tailors to all your damping needs. It can be adjusted to the track conditions and the rider’s preferences with a twist of a dial (compression from the top, rebound from the bottom, 30 clicks each). Right off the dealer floor, this fork (with reworked damping characteristics) is more comfortable and more sensitive than ever. But you can still hammer the hell out of it.

TRIPLE CLAMP

Top quality, CNC machined triple clamps have been a KTM trademark for years to ensure precise handling. The rubber damped handlebar fixation allows for two positions and an hourmeter is fitted in order to let the rider know it’s time for a service.

BRAKES

These high-tech Brembo babies are combined with lightweight Wave brake discs. You couldn’t brake any harder, better, faster or stronger.

ELECTRIFYING

HANDLEBAR MAP SELECT SWITCH

All 4-stroke models are equipped with a sophisticated new multi-functional handlebar map select switch, which does three things: Activation of the traction control Activation of the launch control Selection of an alternative power curve (Standard or Advanced) The traction control is a unique feature that none of the competitors can offer. It guarantees more efficient traction when the track conditions are less than perfect. Push the tip switch and reign supreme. With this map select switch the rider can also activate the launch control, which provides more efficient starts out of the gate so you can go for the holeshot, time and time again. How? It simply reduces the maximum engine speed for the very first moment of the start, in order to give you better control. Push both tip switches when the engine idles and the EFI control lamp mounted on the upper triple clamps will let you know you are READY TO RACE. In addition, the map select switch gives the rider the chance to select an alternative, more powerful map beside the standard configuration. Welcome to the future.

BATTERY & WIRING HARNESS

A strong new lithium-ion battery breathes life into the engine and contributes to low vehicle weight. The lightweight battery and wiring harness are centralized in a compartment above the air filter box, allowing the mechanic to remove the subframe without getting in conflict with the electronics. A happy mechanic is a good mechanic.

E-STARTER

Like all KTM 4-stroke motorcycles, the 450 SX-F is started at the push of a button - a priceless advantage when you’re on the clock.

KING OF COOL

BODYWORK

KTM R&D, KISKA Design and all our factory riders had their say in shaping the plastics with one goal: complete harmony between rider and bike. Perfect ergonomics and contact points provide maximum comfort in movement on the SX-F. The I-beam structures of the front and rear fenders guarantee maximum stability and a low weight thanks to well thought-out construction and mounting. They also stay cleaner for longer.

GRAPHICS

A new, tailor-made kit and a Factory orange frame. Because in this sport, champs deserve to look the part regardless of the dirt.

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

449.9 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

63.4 mm

Starter

Electric starter

Transmission

4-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

13:48

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame

Front suspension

WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm

Rear suspension

WP shock absorber with linkage

Suspension travel (front)

310 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

300 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Chain

5/8 x 1/4"

Steering head angle

63.9 °

Wheelbase

1485 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

370 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

7 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

100.2 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.